Volume, surface, and line integrals

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating volume and surface integrals for a vector field defined within a cube bounded by specific planes. The vector field is given as A = (x^2 - y^2)(i) + xyz(j) - (x + y + z)k, and participants are tasked with determining the volume integral ∫∇·A dV and the surface integral ∫A·n dS over the cube.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the divergence of the vector field and its implications for the volume integral. There are attempts to compute the surface integral for specific faces of the cube, with some participants questioning the setup of the integrals and the evaluation process. Others express confusion about the relationship between the volume and surface integrals and whether their calculations are correct.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided partial calculations for the surface integrals, while others are exploring the implications of their results and questioning their methods. There is an ongoing examination of the calculations for different faces of the cube, and guidance has been offered regarding the need to compute the flux for all six faces.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of integrating over a three-dimensional volume and its boundary, with specific attention to the conditions imposed by the geometry of the cube. There is mention of potential errors in calculations and the need to reassess assumptions about the integrals for opposite faces.

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Homework Statement


Consider a vector A = (x^2 - y^2)(i) + xyz(j) - (x + y + z)k and a cube bounded by the planes x = 0, x = 1, y = 0, y = 1, z = 0 and z = 1
Determine the volume integral ∫∇.A dV where V is the volume of the cube
Determine the surface integral ∫A.n dS where s is the surface of the cube

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


∇.A = 2x + xz -1
Volume integral = ∫∫∫(all from 0 to 1) (2x + xz -1)dxdydz
=1/4 (after simplifying)

Surface integral = (all from 0 to 1) ∫∫(x^2-y^2)dydz + ∫∫(x+y+z)dxdy + ∫∫(xyz)dxdz
this simplifies to a more complicated term

I know that both of these methods must lead to the same answer, so I know that I must be doing something wrong with assigning the integrals to evaluate. Can someone show me how to properly set up the volume and surface integrals? This is what I'm confused about the most.
 
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Here's an example for one of the faces. For the x=1 face, the outward normal is given by ##\hat{n} = \hat{i}##, so ##\vec{A}\cdot\hat{n} = x^2-y^2 = 1-y^2##. The flux through that face is therefore
$$\int_0^1 \int_0^1 (1-y^2)\,dy\,dz = \frac{2}{3}.$$ Try working out the rest on your own and show us what you get.
 
So one of the variables will be a constant for each side evaluated? So for,
integral of (x+y+z)dxdy
=(1+x+y)dxdy
=(x + x^2/2 + xy)dy
= (1 + 1/2 + y)dy
=y + 0.5y + y^2/2
= 1 + 0.5 + 0.5
=2

and integral of (xyz)dxdz from 0 to 1
=(1xz)dxdz
=(x^2/2)*z(dz)
=0.5z(dz)
=0.5z^2/2
=0.25

so 2 + 0.25 + 2/3 =35/12

Does this mean my volume integral is wrong?
 
You have to calculate the flux for all six faces of the cube. You've only done half of them so far.
 
So I use the same integrals listed above but compute them for the x = 0, y = 0, and z = 0 face, then add all the integrals together?
So the first x = 0 face it would be
-(-y^2)dydz
(y^3/3)dz
1/3

z = 0
-(x + y)dxdy
-(x^2/2 + xy)dy
-(0.5 + y)dy
-1.5

y = 0
0

so 1/3 - 1.5 + 2/3 +2 + 0.25
= 1.75

Edit: nevermind, I'm doing something completely wrong. I just calculate the opposite faces, but wouldn't they lead to the negatives of the above?
 
Last edited:
No, they won't simply be the negatives. Recheck your calculations for the z=0 and z=1 faces.
 
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